Take some of the hassle out of travelling with a good quality, lightweight check-in bag – here are five of the best brands out there.
(Photo: horizn-studios.com)
Travelling is one of life’s greatest pleasures – but getting through an airport can be a nightmare at times. Hauling bulky, heavy check-in luggage that isn’t fit for purpose just makes matters worse. It’s easy to just use that old suitcase that’s stashed in the attic but investing in some quality luggage makes an oversees trip immeasurably easier. There are added bonuses too, with some brands now pioneering plant-based shells and recycled materials in the latest luggage. So before you start shopping for some new flip-flops for your next adventure, consider one of these five best lightweight check-in luggage brands.
Samsonite
(Photo: Facebook.com)
Samsonite is one of the biggest brands in luggage, with a good reputation for quality and an extensive range of checked bags ranging from hardshell to wheeled duffle bags to softside. All options are fairly affordable and make a good investment – Samsonite luggage should see you through many years of travelling. For something featherweight, the Cosmolite 3.0 Large Spinner takes some beating, coming in at around $299. The Cosmolite was launched in 2008 and is the best selling product line in Europe – the new Cosmolite keeps the iconic silhouette but is now lighter thanks to new tech, weighing an incredibly featherlight 2.6kg in large size.
Horizn Studios
Horizn Studios is a relatively new luggage brand, founded in 2015 and based in Berlin, but has already made a big name for itself for all the right reasons. The concept is to create design and innovation-driven high-end luggage, backpacks, and travel accessories, all with a big commitment to sustainability. This means luggage that features forward-thinking 100 per cent plant-based hard shells, making it the world’s most sustainable luxury luggage, as well as the use of recycled materials. The luggage looks great too and is the ideal travel companion. The New Air Series – 88L and weighing just 3.8kg – is ultra-light and durable and comes with a lifetime warranty.
Rimowa
Founded in Cologne in 1898, Rimowa is high-end luggage at its best. These bags may be fairly simple in their design, but there is an elegant sophistication and quality you can see a mile off – no wonder the company has such a dedicated fanbase. There are plenty of options to choose from, mostly bags and luggage, but also interesting collabs and some €150 iPhone cases. When it comes to lightweight check-in luggage, there is one really good choice. The Check-In L is the company’s lightest suitcase ever, weighing 30 per cent less than the RIMOWA Essential suitcase, but with room for 10 days of travel. The fact that it weighs just 3.7kg is extremely impressive – that’s less than a lot of lightweight cabin bags.
iFLY luggage
(Photo: Facebook.com)
iFLY is a brand that has useable, lightweight luggage solutions that look so good you’ll want them in your holiday pics. The Instagram-friendly bags come in fabulous colours, such as Cotton Candy, Pastel Sky and rainbow ombre patterns. But they aren’t just good looking, they are pretty light too. The Fibertech, with polycarbonate shell and 360 rotating wheels, weigh just 4.9kg in large check-in version. Other features include five centimetre expansion zipper that adds 20 per cent more space and electroplated reflex rubber carry handles. If something happens, there is also the peace of mind of a 20-year warranty. If you think all these fancy colours and tech comes with a big price tag, think again – the large Fibertech comes in at less than $129.
Monos
Monos is another brand that excels in simple yet beautiful aesthetics for its luggage. The pieces are designed as timeless classics rather than something you throw away after a couple of years, with an understated style that stands the test of time. That said, the prices are very competitive – Monos claims to use the same materials and factories as top brands, but because they sell directly to the consumer, the luggage is a fraction of the price. The pick for something lightweight, good-looking and spacious is the Carry-On, a generous, dent-resistant case made with a high-quality polycarbonate shell. It weighs 4.7kg and has a volume of 99.2 L – enough for up to three weeks travelling, says Monos.